Friendswood Truck Accident Attorney

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Injured in a semi-truck wreck? Learn the steps to protect your health and claim.

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18-wheeler on Texas highway, representing need for a Friendswood truck accident lawyer.
Legally Reviewed By
Michael E. Pierce

Friendswood has the feel of a safe, family-focused community. But being so close to I-45 means residents share the road with 18-wheelers moving cargo from Houston’s port and industrial hubs. 

When a truck collides with a car, the people in the smaller vehicle are left dealing with injuries, lost income, and a daily life that becomes far more difficult than before the crash.

Trucking companies are prepared for these crashes. They activate insurance adjusters and defense lawyers quickly to limit what they’ll have to pay. Injured people don’t have the same resources, unless they call an experienced Friendswood truck accident lawyer.

That’s what Martin Castiernos did after an 18-wheeler rear-ended him on the job. His injuries kept him from working, and his family shouldered the stress at home. The trucking company’s representatives called within days. Martin called Pierce Skrabanek.

We pulled the truck’s electronic data and driver logs, collected medical reports, and identified exactly where safety rules had been ignored. With the evidence in place, Martin secured the financial support he needed to move forward with recovery.

Here’s what Martin had to say about working with us:

Call (832) 690-7000 today or reach out online. From your first conversation, we’ll preserve key records, deal with the trucking company’s adjusters, and start building your case. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.

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Friendswood’s Roads and Trucking Traffic Increase Crash Risk

Friendswood’s location between Houston and Galveston places it along major trucking corridors. Commercial vehicles regularly travel I-45, FM 2351, and Bay Area Boulevard, moving cargo between industrial hubs, refineries, and the port. Growth near Clear Lake, Forest Bend, and West Ranch has added to traffic, putting more residents in close contact with heavy trucks.

Many of Friendswood’s surface roads weren’t designed for a high volume of large vehicles. Tight intersections, short access ramps, and busy commuter routes create situations where a truck driver’s mistake quickly becomes a danger for nearby cars.

When a crash happens, trucking companies and their insurers respond within hours. Some send representatives to call the injured driver before the police report is finalized. They may ask for a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. These early moves can harm your claim, especially if you don’t yet know the full extent of your injuries.

You don’t have to speak with them. A Friendswood truck accident attorney can step in to protect your interests and manage those conversations while you focus on recovery.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Friendswood

Many truck crashes around Friendswood are linked to pressure within the trucking industry. Investigations often uncover problems like:

  • Fatigue from overnight runs on I-45, where drivers push beyond their legal hours. Slowed reaction times and drifting lanes are common warning signs.
  • Blind spots leading to side-swipe collisions on feeder roads and during merges on FM 2351 or Bay Area Boulevard.
  • Wide turns at intersections near schools, retail centers, and construction zones, where trailers cut into oncoming lanes or clip nearby cars.
  • Unbalanced or overloaded cargo that destabilizes the rig during braking or turning.
  • Mechanical failures from skipped maintenance, such as worn brakes or tires, can magnify small errors.
  • Weather and speed issues along open stretches of I-45, where rain or glare leads to missed exits and delayed stopping.
  • Driver distraction inside the cab, whether from phones, navigation screens, or other devices, causing missed signals and rear-end crashes.

Our team investigates by pulling data from the truck’s black box, driver logs, GPS records, inspection history, and company files. These materials can reveal safety violations that prove liability.

Trucking companies defend themselves from day one. Call (832) 690-7000 or message us online to speak with a Friendswood truck accident lawyer before making any statements or signing documents with an insurer.

Injuries After a Truck Wreck in Friendswood

Collisions with 18-wheelers usually lead to injuries far more serious than those in typical car wrecks. Common outcomes in Friendswood truck crashes include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries;
  • Spinal cord damage, herniated discs, or nerve injuries;
  • Multiple fractures and orthopedic surgeries;
  • Internal bleeding and organ trauma; and
  • Burns, scarring, and disfigurement;

For many survivors, the ER visit is just the beginning. Ongoing treatment, rehab, and time away from work can stretch over months or years. These long-term needs should be reflected in your claim, not just immediate medical bills.

A Martindale-Nolo survey found that people who hired a lawyer after an accident recovered nearly three times more compensation than those who went through the process alone. For anyone dealing with the aftermath of a truck crash in Friendswood, that kind of difference can ease the strain of medical bills and time away from work.

Compensation a Friendswood Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Can Pursue

After a truck crash, your recovery may involve far more than paying initial medical bills. Texas law allows you to seek compensation for:

  • Emergency treatment and hospitalization;
  • Rehabilitation, prescriptions, and follow-up care;
  • Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity;
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress; and
  • Permanent scarring, disability, or reduced quality of life.

Texas applies a modified comparative fault rule. If you are less than 51% responsible, you can still recover damages, though your percentage of fault reduces your award. Trucking companies use this to try to shift blame early. An experienced Friendswood truck accident attorney knows how to counter these tactics.

Pierce Skrabanek has secured multimillion-dollar results in trucking cases, including a $2 million settlement for a commercial driver hit by another truck and a $565,000 recovery for a woman struck by a truck that ran a stop sign.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Friendswood

Your actions immediately after a wreck can affect both your health and your case. Steps to take include:

  1. Get medical treatment immediately, even if symptoms seem minor.
  2. Call the police and request a report.
  3. Stick to facts when describing the crash; don’t speculate.
  4. Decline recorded statements from insurance reps.
  5. Take photos of the vehicles, scene, and injuries.
  6. Save all records, bills, and notes on time missed from work.
  7. Protect your rights by contacting a Friendswood truck accident attorney who can secure black box data and other evidence before it disappears.

How Texas Trucking Laws Affect Your Case

Commercial truck drivers and their employers must follow both federal and Texas safety rules. These laws regulate:

  • Hours of service limits,
  • Daily inspection and maintenance requirements,
  • Cargo weight and load balancing,
  • CDL licensing and training standards, and
  • Drug and alcohol testing for drivers.

Records like logbooks, black box data, and maintenance reports can show where a trucking company failed to follow safety rules.

Timeline for a Truck Accident Case in Friendswood

Many clients want to know how long it will take to resolve their case. In Friendswood, truck accident cases may take several months, depending on:

  • How quickly injuries can be fully diagnosed,
  • The time needed to collect and review trucking records, and
  • Whether the case settles in negotiations or proceeds to trial.
“When someone comes to us after a truck accident, they’ve usually already been through the hardest days—pain, confusion, and not knowing what’s next. What I want them to feel in that first meeting is that they’re not alone in figuring this out anymore.”

— Paul Skrabanek, Founding Partner.

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Talk With a Friendswood Trucking Accidents Lawyer Today

A collision with a truck on I-45, FM 2351, or Bay Area Boulevard can leave you with serious injuries and no clear plan forward. As you manage medical care and time away from work, the trucking company is already moving to protect its interests.

For more than 30 years, Pierce Skrabanek has represented Texans in truck and commercial vehicle crashes, including cases against major freight carriers and oilfield transport companies.

Call (832) 690-7000 or contact us online today for a free case review with a Friendswood truck accident attorney.

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

“If you're looking for a great firm, then look no further!”

“Everyone at Pierce Skrabanek was so helpful to our case. They worked fast and efficiently and kept us notified of the status of our case. They helped us a lot and made sure we understood what was happening and why. If you're looking for a great firm, then look no further! I can't recommend them enough. They truly changed our lives. Five Stars on all accounts!”

Samantha S.

“I greatly appreciate all of their help!”

Mr. Skrabanek and his team are all very diligent, thorough, and hard-working. For my first time ever needing a lawyer, I had a great experience. They walked me through the process and answered all of my questions along the way and in a timely manner. I greatly appreciate all of their help!”

Tori P.

“I’m very pleased with my results.”

“They took care of me from start to finish! I’m very pleased with my results. I will 100% recommend it to my friend's family or just another person who needs good help in a bad situation. Thank you to Paul and the whole team!”

Jon J.

“Pierce Skrabanek represented me in a very high-profile wrongful death case.”

“Pierce Skrabanek represented me in a very high-profile wrongful death case. Whenever I felt uninformed or just needed reassurance, Paul had no problems getting on the phone with me to clear up any questions I had.

This firm was very professional through the entire process.”

Jeremy S.

“Pierce Skrabanek was polite, professional, and direct at all times.”

“When I needed help, they were there. I reached out to over 5 other firms, but all declined to assist. Pierce Skrabanek was polite, professional, and direct at all times. Just awesome”

Al B.

“This law firm treats you as family.”

“Every person I came in communication with was a great person. This law firm treats you as family and will do anything to get the best for you.”

Andres T.

Frequently Asked Questions

I was in a crash with a company truck, but the driver said they were an independent contractor. Can I still bring a claim against the trucking company?

Yes. Even if the driver is labeled as an independent contractor, the trucking company may still share responsibility depending on how the work was arranged and supervised. A Friendswood 18-wheeler accident lawyer can examine contracts, dispatch records, and insurance policies to determine all liable parties.

The truck that hit me was carrying hazardous materials. Do different rules apply?

They do. Trucks hauling chemicals, fuel, or industrial waste must follow additional safety regulations. If these are violated, it can increase both the severity of the crash and the strength of your claim. Specialized insurance requirements may also affect how compensation is pursued.

What if the truck driver who caused the accident doesn’t live in Texas?

That doesn’t prevent you from filing. Many drivers pass through Friendswood on interstate routes. Claims can still be filed in Texas, and courts here often have jurisdiction when the crash occurred locally. Your Friendswood truck accident attorney handles the process of bringing in out-of-state drivers or companies.

The police report listed me as partially at fault. Do I still have a case?

Yes, you may. Texas law allows recovery as long as you are 50% or less responsible. Even if the report assigns some fault to you, additional investigation might shift liability toward the trucking company once records are reviewed.

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We’re Here for You:
Real Results for Real Challenges

We know how tough things can get after an injury. That’s why we make your struggles our fight. With over three decades of combined experience, we’ve been the reliable allies our clients need, tackling financial hardships, physical pain, and major life changes. Our track record of successful verdicts and settlements speaks to our team’s passion and dedication to helping clients get the support and justice they need.

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